The Death Of The Family Dinner Is Making Americans Fat

Americans started eating out a lot more over the past thirty
years, a trend that likely caused obesity rates to skyrocket,
according to a
new USDA report.

The study tracked caloric and nutrient consumption at home versus
restaurants, fast food establishments and schools between 1978
and 2008.

Their results:

Over the past 30 years, food prepared away from home (FAFH)
has become a regular part of most Americans’
diets, and those who monitor food trends expect
this to continue...Unfortunately, consumption of
FAFH has been found to increase caloric intake
and reduce diet quality."

They conclude: "More research on the effects of regular,
long-term consumption of FAFH on caloric intake, diet quality,
and weight status is needed, but our results suggest that
its association with higher caloric intake and lower diet quality
deserves public health attention."